THRILLS – Front Page News ’81 [AOR-FM Records remaster +1] HQ *Rare*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ

Considered one of the greatest American Pomp-AOR albums ever, THRILLS 1981’s second effort “Front Page News” is a gem from the sub-genre. Fortunately the stupendous – and sadly short-lived – specialized reissue label AOR-FM Records remastered “Front Page News” for the first time on CD, now a rare piece and collector’s item.
Thrills’ ”Front Page News” isn’t just a follow-up album—it’s a confident leap forward, capturing a band hitting its creative stride in the golden age of early ‘80s rock / AOR. Released in 1981 on the heels of their well-received debut ‘First Thrills’, this sophomore effort finds the band refining their sound with sharper hooks, deeper production, and a clear sense of direction.
Recorded at Smoketree Ranch in Chatsworth, California, the sessions for ‘Front Page News’ were marked by relentless late-night creativity. With engineer Doug Parry and producers Mike Frenchik and Tom Ingegno at the helm for IF Productions, the album benefits from a clean but vibrant production style. It gives each track room to breathe while preserving the raw charm that made Thrills such a standout act on the regional circuit.

The album wastes no time making an impression. The opening track, “You Don’t Remember Me” is a perfect example of the band’s melodic sensibilities—full of yearning and built on strong harmonies.
Thanks to WLIR’s John DeBella spinning it regularly, the track became a regional hit and helped introduce the band to a wider audience. Another true AOR gem is “Don’t You Know” that really shows how the Pomp and AOR blended perfectly during this magical era of Rock.

From there, the album moves into “Shadows in the Night,” a slighly darker, moodier piece with layered keyboards and a touch of drama that shows the band wasn’t afraid to experiment beyond standard rock formulas. That willingness to shift gears continues on “Teaser,” one of the album’s most energetic moments. With a swaggering guitar riff and an infectious chorus, it’s easy to see why this track became a staple in their live sets.

“Tonight,” is a classic AOR anthem with soaring vocals and undeniable hooks, it became a local sensation on Pittsburgh’s 96KX, where it peaked at No. 2. That success led to a massive 18,000-person performance at Point State Park and cemented Thrills as local legends.
The title track, “Front Page News,” must also be mentioned as it gives the album a purpose and punch. It ties the whole project together—blending ambition, reflection, and melody in a way that sums up the band’s journey.

Remastered in 2009 by Bernie Becker for AOR-FM Records, this re-release brings a new shine to the original recordings, making the sonic details pop without stripping away their vintage charm. It’s a fitting tribute to a band that gave it everything—on stage, in the studio, and in the hearts of their growing fanbase.

”Front Page News” is more than an album—it’s a document of a band that captured lightning in a bottle, even if just for a moment. For fans of early ‘80s AOR and Pomp Rock, this is a hidden gem that still delivers, decades later. It’s heartfelt, hook-filled, and full of the kind of spirit you can’t fake.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – You Don’t Remember Me
02 – Don’t You Know
03 – Tonight
04 – Take A Bite
05 – I’ll Be On My Way
06 – Teaser
07 – Explorer Time
08 – Front Page News
09 – Follow Your Dream
10 – Take Me Away
11 – High Side Of 55
12 – Smiling (Bonus Track)

Tony Monaco; lead and backing vocals, keyboards
Dave Fullerton: guitars, backing vocals, lead vocals on 3, 10
Bill Gilbert: bass, backing vocals, lead vocals on 12
Rob Owens: drums, backing vocals, lead vocals on 7
Bonnie Hollis: vocals on 3

out of print